Beethoven: Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2

In his Cello Sonata in F Major, Op. 5, No. 1, Beethoven followed a burgeoning practice of the time in awarding both instruments an equal share of the music, and these two virtuosos carry it off with depth and élan. Like the First, the Sonata in G Minor, Op. 5, No. 2 has two movements, both of which provide myriad opportunities for drama, lyricism, and technical brilliance. This disc is part of the duo's Grammy-winning series of the five Beethoven cello sonatas.

"In the two early Op. 5 Sonatas, of 1796 … the accent is mainly on brilliance and bravura (which Ma and Ax supply abundantly)…. Masterly performances with exceptionally vivid sound."—Gramophone